When Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens was mulling the decision of whether to leave a comfortable environment at Butler and move to the NBA, there was a little personal tug-of-war.
He could almost remain a college coach as long as he wanted, having taken Butler to a pair of championship games. The challenge of the NBA awaited, though.
And Stevens wasn’t able to say no.
It was a gamble, but the decision has paid off for Stevens, who has ascended into the elite category of coaches in the NBA with the Celtics.
It’s a similar situation for Michigan coach John Beilein, who looks to be a finalist to become the head coach of the Detroit Pistons.